Roughly 60% of the park's 34 square kilometers, and particularly the slopes of Mt. Gahinga, are covered in thick bamboo forest. The rest: montaineous rainforest. As one ascends any of the three volcanoes, one encounters haecentia, lobelia, orchids, and twisted tree-trunks covered in hanging moss thoroughly enjoying the fresh mountain air. In fact, the shifts in vegetation as one reaches higher and higher altitude must be one of the most fascinating experiences for any hiker. Many flowers and trees enjoy narrow altitude spans and cannot be found beyond them. With giant lobelia able to reach several meters in height at the peak of every volcano, and rare species of orchids growing near the peaks and nowhere else, it can easily be a surreal experience to hike through Mgahinga forest.

Regardless of your hike, your ranger guide will be quick to point out the uses of the herbs and plants you encounter along your way. Learn what vines were used as toothbrushes many years ago, what the small fruits favoured by elephants and used by humans as soap look like, and how to recognise the leaves which can force blood to coagulate. The rangers' wealth of information is only a question away as you walk through our forest.